The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the upcoming November 16 governorship election in Ondo State, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, has promised to prioritise security if elected. Ajayi, a former deputy governor of the state, made this commitment during his campaign tour of Iju, Ita-Ogbolu, and other communities in Akure North Local Government Area on Tuesday.
Ajayi specifically pledged to strengthen the Ondo State Security Network, also known as Amotekun, to curb criminal activities, particularly kidnapping and banditry, in rural areas. “We are going to strengthen Amotekun and create forest guards that will work together with the corps in all the forests across the state. We will end kidnapping, and our farmers will return to their farms with peace of mind,” he stated.
Reflecting on his role in the creation of Amotekun, Ajayi expressed confidence in his ability to improve the security agency’s operations. He emphasized that, if elected, his administration would also empower farmers, ensuring food security across the state.
Ajayi further outlined his broader plans for governance, promising swift and effective policy implementation. “Within 10 months, we will change things for the better. We know how to run the government, and we won’t waste time before kick-starting our programs,” he said. He criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the current state of the economy, calling on voters to support the PDP for a better future.
Ajayi also vowed to reduce the state’s security votes, reallocating funds to create job opportunities for youths, which he believes will significantly reduce crime. “Governor Aiyedatiwa collects N1.2 billion in security votes monthly. I don’t need that much for security. I will take about N600 million from it to create employment,” he noted.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the PDP Campaign Organisation, Engr. Clement Faboyede, urged residents to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to ensure they can vote in the upcoming election. He stressed the importance of voting to “chase the APC out of power” and encouraged citizens to protect their votes during the election.
